Drew Brees Talks Saints QB Battle, Compares Tyler Shough to Taysom Hill in Video

Perhaps nobody knows what it takes to succeed as the quarterback of the New Orleans Saints more than Drew Brees, and the 13-time Pro Bowler discussed the team's quarterback battle and rookie Tyler Shough on Sunday.

"I think he's big, strong, tough, standing there, deliver the ball, take shots," Brees said of Shough. "… Honestly, a lot of similarities to Taysom Hill."

Brees pointed out Hill was also in college for a number of seasons and overcame multiple injuries.

"I mean, I'm not giving anybody the job right now," he continued. "... Competitions bring out the best in everybody."

New Orleans selected Shough in the second round of the draft and surely envisioned him as a franchise cornerstone with such a selection.

However, his role with the team was immediately put under the spotlight when Derek Carr announced his retirement this offseason. Suddenly, the rookie has the opportunity to compete for the starting job alongside Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener.

It's not as if Rattler and Haener offer proven NFL competition.

The former is 0-6 as a starter with four touchdown passes to five interceptions, while the latter is 0-1 as a starter with one touchdown pass to one interception. Given that backdrop, it would be surprising if Shough wasn't the starter at some point during his rookie season.

One of the concerns with Shough is his age, as he is much older than a typical rookie and will turn 26 years old in September. However, he is coming off his best collegiate season in a career that included multiple injuries and stops with Oregon, Texas Tech and Louisville.

Shough completed 62.7 percent of his passes for 3,195 yards, 23 touchdowns and six interceptions for the Cardinals in 2024 and will look to find similar success at the NFL level.

It sounds like Brees won't be surprised if he does.